Issues such as climate change and sustainability have become increasingly hot topics globally and often the subject of conversation. As a result, Environmental, Social and Governance-linked (ESG) investment strategies continue to dominate financial headlines. Continue reading “Investing with a conscience”
The deep global economic shock and uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has made everyone rethink their finances and investments, making it clear that financial security is more important than ever to our overall well-being.
Some savers are putting their hard-earned money at risk by holding too much on deposit. Savers holding onto extra cash during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic need to consider their long-term investment options, as new data shows the savings ratio for some people has increased during the pandemic. Continue reading “Are you keeping too much in cash?”
The number of people in their 20s and early 30s choosing to invest in a Stocks & Shares Individual Savings Account (ISA) prior to the coronavirus pandemic outbreak increased according to the latest HM Revenue & Customs annual ISA data[1]. Continue reading “Millennials look to build long-term wealth”
Increased investor focus on environmental, social and governance considerations
Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues continue to be a priority for many investors. Your values define you. But do your investments reflect who you are? Continue reading “How sustainable is your portfolio?”
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had a dramatic effect on the global economy. Around the world, economic activity has dried up. Fewer consumers are buying and fewer companies are investing. Continue reading “Inflation-proofing your portfolio”
Without a plan, investors are prone to making knee-jerk reactions when there are swings in the market. A well-thought-out investment strategy provides the guidance needed to help you stay on track when inevitable market fluctuation occurs. It can also point you towards the types of investments that best align with your financial goals.
By maintaining a clear purpose for your investment strategy, you help yourself stay on track and confidently navigate the ups and downs of the market.
When developing your investment strategy, consider the following factors:
1. Your investment goals
Specifically, for what or whom are you accumulating funds? Your investment goals will help you determine suitable investments.
2. Your time horizon
How many years will it be until you need to use what you have invested? Longer time horizons may provide flexibility for more aggressive investment choices.
3. Your tolerance for risk
Take your broader financial situation into account, and consider how comfortable you are with varying degrees of risk as you pursue your investment goals.
How can we help?
To find out more, please contact Touchstone Investment Advisers on 0203 026 4074 or email info@touchstone-uk.co.uk – we look forward to hearing from you.
Fraudsters are getting more sophisticated, particularly with investment scams. They can be articulate and financially knowledgeable, with credible websites, testimonials and materials that are hard to distinguish from the real thing. However, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
From simple cons to elaborate schemes, attempts to prise away your hard-earned money are nothing new. Yet there are arguably more windows of opportunity for scammers today than ever, especially with the backdrop of coronavirus (COVID-19) and using this to play on the concerns of investors about their money, market performance and what they should do.
Out of the blue
If you’re contacted out of the blue about an investment opportunity, chances are it’s a high-risk investment or a scam. Scammers usually cold-call, but contact can also come by email, post, word of mouth or at a seminar or exhibition. Scams are often advertised online too.
If you get cold-called, the safest thing to do is to hang up. If you get unexpected offers by email or text, it’s best simply to ignore them. You can register with the Telephone Preference Service and Mailing Preference Service to reduce the number of letters and cold calls you receive.
How to spot the other warning signs
Callers may pretend they aren’t cold-calling you by referring to a brochure or an email they sent you – that’s why it’s important you know howto spot the other warning signs.
Unexpected contact – traditionally, scammers cold-call, but contact can also come from online sources, for example, email or social media, post, word of mouth, or even in person at a seminar or exhibition.
Time pressure – they might offer you a bonus or discount if you invest before a set date or say the opportunity is only available for a short period.
Social proof – they may share fake reviews and claim other clients have invested or want in on the deal.
Unrealistic returns – fraudsters often promise tempting returns that sound too good to be true, such as much better interest rates than elsewhere.
False authority – using convincing literature and websites, claiming to be regulated, speaking with authority on investment products.
Flattery – building a friendship with you to lull you into a false sense of security.
When faced with an investment opportunity, especially one that has come out of the blue or is advertised, always ask yourself: ‘Could this be a scam?’ Always take the time to check who you are dealing with.
How can we help?
To find out more, please contact Touchstone Investment Advisers on 0203 026 4074 or email info@touchstone-uk.co.uk – we look forward to hearing from you.
Diversification is paramount in uncertain times
The outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) has understandably been dominating the news headlines. Market fear over the escalating global spread of coronavirus has seen a sell-off across many asset classes. This period of market stress further emphasises the importance of diversification within portfolios. Investors’ objectives can rarely be met by investing in a single asset class. Continue reading “Managing volatility”
It’s more important than ever to stay the course
The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is first and foremost a human tragedy, affecting hundreds of thousands of people. It is also having a growing impact on the global economy. The markets have been extremely volatile as investors weigh the effect of the coronavirus against measures aimed at easing its economic impact. Therefore, it’s hard to say how this will affect investments in the short term. Continue reading “Coronavirus impact on the global economy”